Meet Susan Pickles, New Principal at Basilica School of St. Paul
Her hope as Basilica School of St. Paul Principal: “I pray that students graduate here with the confidence that God has given them the tools and talents to have a meaningful and purposeful life. I pray that my leadership infuses love throughout our school, and this is felt by students, teachers, and parents alike.”
Ms. Susan Pickles has joined Basilica School of St. Paul for the new school year, and she will bring her love of teaching, passion for Catholic education, and decades of experience to the leadership role.
Previously serving as Kindergarten Teacher at St. Mary Catholic School in Rockledge, she has spent a nearly 25-year teaching career creating a warm, nurturing classroom environment that promotes equity, social justice, and inclusivity.
As Principal, Ms. Pickles is committed to supporting students’ growth in mind, body, and spirit while empowering teachers to do their best work. Learn more about her background and the education philosophy she brings to Basilica School of St. Paul.
A Passion for Catholic Education Throughout Her Life
Ms. Pickles grew up in Clearwater, Florida, where she attended St. Cecelia Catholic School along with her four siblings.
“Catholic school had a profound impact on who I am today,” she says. “I always think in terms of Catholic identity and see everyone as a beloved child of God.”
Ms. Pickles was inspired to become a teacher from an early age. She even preferred spending her recess time in third grade helping her teacher work on bulletin boards.
After studying education at Boston College, she went on to teach a variety of subjects and grades over two decades, from Pre-K3 to 7th grade science. The majority of her career was spent teaching Kindergarten and 4th grade.
For Ms. Pickles, her Catholic faith and values have always been an important part of her classroom.
“My faith is intertwined with my teaching,” she says. “I believe the ‘golden rule’ is the answer to most questions, as well as the answer: ‘because you are a beloved child of God!’”
Inspiring Students and Teachers as Principal of Basilica School of St. Paul
In her new role as Principal of Basilica School of St. Paul, Ms. Pickles is thrilled to work with the Basilica’s diverse student body, in addition to using her teaching background to support faculty.
“I am looking forward to being with the children and helping teachers in whatever way I can,” she says. “I see everything through the eyes of a teacher and hope to be a support to help them become the best they can be.”
Her goal as principal is to further the Basilica’s mission to encourage each child to achieve his or her potential – spiritually, intellectually, personally, socially, and physically.
Ms. Pickles also appreciates the school’s history as a truly welcoming and diverse Catholic community, and she hopes to continue its long-standing tradition of inclusion and love.
“Basilica School of St. Paul serves all of God’s children,” she says. “One of the school’s great strengths is our diversity, and I believe we truly follow in Christ’s footsteps here.”
Getting to Know Ms. Pickles
Outside of school, here are a few fun facts about Ms. Pickles:
She enjoys going to the beach, exploring new places, and walking her dog.
She has three pets: Malina, an 11-year-old black Labrador retriever, and two cats, Nimbus and Max.
Her favorite book is “Wuthering Heights.”
Her favorite film is “Elf.”
A Bible verse she loves is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
One place she enjoyed visiting is Uganda, and she would love to return one day.
We look forward to an excellent first year at Basilica School of St. Paul for Principal Pickles!
Faces of Catholic Education is an ongoing series in which we spotlight faculty and staff at Volusia County Catholic Schools and celebrate the love they have in their hearts for seeing children grow through a Catholic school education.